for service as set forth in the following citation:

For exceptionally meritorious service from 2 January to 31 March 1969 during operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, the United States and Vietnamese Navy personnel of CTG 194.4 involved in Operation BARRIER REEF prosecuted an aggressive and determined interdictive campaign along the network of narrow canals across which enemy infiltration of personnel and war material had previously passed unhindered. Facing the constant threat of enemy mining attempts, and braving numerous automatic-weapons and rocket attacks at point blank range, task-group personnel strove incessantly to sever a vital enemy lifeline and thwart his offensive efforts in the Mekong Delta region. While living and operating under austere and hazardous conditions, the Navy men of CTG 194.4 seized the initiative from the aggressors and struck a blow of irreparable consequence. In every engagement the enemy, attacking at his convenience, was driven back by the heroic efforts of the BARRIER REEF units. Along the entire expanse of waterways which composed the campaign, the enemy soon found no refuge; their lifeline was severed and the influx of war material was significantly diminished, In combatting the enemy threat, the units of CTG 194.4 demonstrated outstanding courage and professionalism, reflecting great credit upon themselves and the naval service.

John H. Chafee
Secretary of the Navy